Giants RB Skattebo's Mom Defends Son After CTE, Asthma Remarks

Becky Skattebo says her son's comments were taken out of context and that he was making a 'tasteless joke'.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 10:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The mother of New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo has come to her son's defense after he made controversial comments about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and asthma in a recent podcast interview. Skattebo initially said CTE was not a 'real thing' and claimed asthma was an 'excuse,' but later apologized, saying he made a 'tasteless joke.' His mother Becky Skattebo said the remarks were taken out of context and that her son has dealt with asthma himself.

Why it matters

Skattebo's comments touched on sensitive topics in the NFL, where head injuries and player health have been major concerns in recent years. The Giants also had their own issues with player health, as quarterback Jaxson Dart missed games due to concussions. Skattebo's remarks sparked backlash, leading his mother to defend him and provide more context around his words.

The details

In the podcast interview, Skattebo was asked about whether CTE was a 'real thing,' to which he replied 'No.' He also claimed that asthma was an 'excuse.' Skattebo later apologized, saying he made a 'tasteless joke' and did not mean to downplay the seriousness of head injuries or asthma. His mother Becky Skattebo said the remarks were taken out of context, and that her son has dealt with using an inhaler for his own asthma many times.

  • Skattebo made the controversial comments in a recent podcast interview.
  • Skattebo later apologized for his remarks on X (Twitter).

The players

Cam Skattebo

A running back for the New York Giants who made controversial comments about CTE and asthma in a podcast interview.

Becky Skattebo

The mother of Giants running back Cam Skattebo, who defended her son's remarks and said they were taken out of context.

Jaxson Dart

The Giants' quarterback who missed games due to concussions, highlighting health concerns on the team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If only people knew how many times Cam had to 'run and get mom's inhaler' they'd realize the sarcasm...you'll never make everyone happy and you'll never say all the right things and people are bound to spin something sooner or later in a direction it was never intended to go.”

— Becky Skattebo, Mother of Giants RB Cam Skattebo

“I recently did an interview and had a lapse in judgment, which resulted in me making a tasteless joke about CTE and asthma. It was never my intention to downplay the seriousness of head injuries or asthma. I sincerely apologize to anyone that was offended by my remarks, and I assure you that I'll be more mindful and respectful going forward. Much love !!!”

— Cam Skattebo

The takeaway

Skattebo's controversial comments highlight the ongoing challenges around player health and safety in the NFL, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like head injuries and chronic conditions like asthma. While Skattebo's remarks were seen as insensitive, his mother's defense provides more context around his intent and the personal experiences that may have shaped his perspective.